Match: A Direct Admissions Option for Every Student

When she was trying to reason with students who were set on applying only to the most selective universities, my mentor and former college counseling colleague would pose a simple question: Would you take an umbrella if the forecast predicted a 95% chance of rain?  

When they inevitably said yes, she would explain that applying solely to schools that admit 5% of their applicant pools is usually a recipe to get wet. Sure, there’s a chance it won’t rain, but it’s still best to have an umbrella.

The college process can be uncertain, burdensome, and overwhelming. I thought every student could use a metaphorical umbrella to navigate it, so I started searching for one. Eventually, I found it.

Match allows colleges to apply to students. Yes, you read that correctly – colleges apply to students. In just 30 minutes, students can create straightforward profiles and begin receiving real admission and scholarship offers as early as August of their senior year.

Match students don’t have to submit applications, fee waivers, test scores, essays, or recommendation letters. Their personal data is also protected. And did I mention that Match is free for students, counselors, and high schools?

At this point, you’re probably thinking the same thing I did when I first came across Match – it’s either too good to be true, or there must be some catch. It’s not, and there isn’t.

Below are descriptions of 7 students, representing student personas you may encounter often, for whom Match serves as the perfect umbrella.